Kirwan has also made one positional change with Peter Saili switching to blindside flanker and Jerome Kaino moving to number eight as Kirwan looks for more control at the base of the scrum.

“Jerome can play both positions pretty well and together they bring a little bit of edge, they're both physical and strong ball carriers. We did the same switch at half time last week and it frees Pete up to roam around a bit more,” added Kirwan.

On the bench Ofa Tu'ungafasi replaces the injured Sam Prattley while outside back George Moala comes in for Pita Ahki.

The Blues are up against a smarting Reds outfit who have lost their last three games in a row and who will be eager to put in a strong performance for livewire fly-half Quade Cooper who is expected to play his 100th game for the Queensland-based franchise on Friday.

The Reds boast an impressive record against the Blues having won their last four encounters, and Kirwan is expecting a fierce battle.

“They'll be desperate so we can't wait, we've just got to really hoe in and replicate the energy and effort that we put in last week,” he said.

“It's a big night for us and we feel like we're the underdogs but if we can get the same intensity we had last week it should put us in good stead.

“Last week was what we needed to do from an intensity and effort point of view and that now needs to be our minimum, we need to at least match that and make sure we step it up and add a little bit.

“I think we can improve in areas as well. All the games have been going right down to the wire so it's going to be a tough match but I'm confident if we can bring that attitude then we'll be in the hunt.”